Chie Tanabe (田邊 智恵, Tanabe Chie, born March 29, 1971) is a Japanese stuntwoman and suit actress (an actress in a full-body rubber suit).
In 1998, she became the first woman to complete Stage 1 of Sasuke (known as Ninja Warrior franchise globally), during the 2nd Competition.
[1] She could not, however, complete the Spider Walk in Stage 2, as she was not tall enough to properly negotiate the obstacle.
This accomplishment would not be matched until the 34th Competition, when Jessie Graff (another stuntwoman and frequent competitor of its United States version) surpassed the accomplishment by reaching Stage 3.
[2] Tanabe also competed in Kunoichi, the women's version of Sasuke, but failed in Stage 3 after a misstep.